“Portugal’s Alentejo region is set to become home to a groundbreaking project – Europe’s first sanctuary for elephants that have lived in captivity.

Set across 402 hectares between Vila Viçosa and Alandroal, the vast refuge will welcome its first residents – elephants from zoos and circuses across Europe – in early 2026. The initiative is led by the non-profit organisation Pangea, registered in Portugal and the UK, with support from local councils and national environmental authorities such as Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF).

The land was purchased in 2023 by the non-profit, which has been busy preparing it for the elephants. ‘We’ve been working on managing the habitat, improving its quality and making sure it’s as diverse as possible,’ Pangea’s general director Kate Moore told Lusa news agency.

Construction of the sanctuary’s first barn and enclosure began two months ago and is expected to finish by December. The first elephants are due to arrive at the beginning of 2026, between January and March, Moore said. Between 20 and 30 elephants could eventually call the Alentejo home, though the exact number will depend on habitat space and welfare studies.”

From Portugal Resident.